Recovery efforts are continuing across Erie following the devastating early September storm, with hundreds of volunteers and community organizations stepping up to help residents’ clear debris and rebuild.
A major part of that response has been the work of Team Rubicon, a veteran-led humanitarian organization that arrived in Erie Tuesday evening. Since arriving, the group has been working alongside the City of Erie, neighborhood organizations, and community partners in some of the areas hardest hit by the storm. Their efforts have focused on helping residents remove storm debris and clean up damaged properties.
“Team Rubicon has been an incredible partner to our community, coming to Erie ready to work with residents who have been impacted by this devastating storm,” said Mayor Daria S. Devlin. “Their team has spent the last few days on the ground, never hesitating to step up, and we are so grateful to have them here supporting our community. Their work, along with Our West Bayfront, neighborhood organizations, and the countless residents who have pitched in to help their neighbors, is a true testament to the spirit of Erie.”
Team Rubicon leaders said they have been inspired by the resilience shown by Erie residents throughout the recovery process.
“Team Rubicon has been honored to serve alongside the City of Erie during this recovery effort,” said Oscar Arauco, Incident Commander for the Erie operations. “The city’s leadership has provided clear direction, the team at Glinodo Center has welcomed us warmly, and Erie residents have inspired us with their resilience and determination. Helping communities recover is at the heart of Team Rubicon’s mission, and we are grateful for the opportunity to serve here in Erie. Built to Serve.”
The recovery effort will continue September 19, as Our West Bayfront hosts a community cleanup during Gannon University’s annual GIVE Day. Organizers say 990 volunteers have signed up for service projects across Erie County, including 126 Gannon students and staff members who will volunteer with Our West Bayfront.
Those volunteers will gather at Gridley Park before 9 a.m. before being assigned to neighborhoods on Erie’s west side that sustained some of the most significant storm damage. Volunteers will assist residents by moving remaining storm debris from yards and properties to the curb for collection.
To help residents dispose of larger storm-damaged items, dumpsters will be available at two west side locations:
Old Emerson School parking lot, West 9th Street, in partnership with GECAC
Mini Mall, at West 4th and Cherry streets
Our West Bayfront officials said they have been working closely with residents, city leaders, and community organizations to identify households that still need help with cleanup and debris removal.
“This has truly been a community-wide response,” said Gretchen Kerr, executive director of Our West Bayfront. “From the very first hours after the storm, we saw neighbors checking on neighbors, clearing debris, sharing resources, and stepping in wherever help was needed. Saturday’s cleanup is about building on that work and making sure we continue to reach residents who may need a little extra help.”
City officials thanked Team Rubicon, Our West Bayfront, Gannon University, neighborhood organizations, volunteers, and residents who have contributed to the recovery effort in the days following the storm.
Residents interested in volunteering or learning more about cleanup efforts are encouraged to follow Our West Bayfront on social media for updates, cleanup locations, and volunteer instructions.
Officials also reminded residents that LEAF’s Open Market, scheduled for Saturday, has been relocated to Gridley Park due to the continued closure of Frontier Park.
Additional information about storm recovery efforts is available through the City of Erie here.